On behalf of the martyrs

The differences between Islam and Christianity were underlined during a presentation at a local church recently.

Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church of Cokato invited Pastor Mujahid El Masih to share his story of conversion from Islam to Christianity and the persecution he faced in his homeland of Pakistan.

Masih compared Islam to Christianity by using references from the Quran and the Bible, and explained the act of Jihad, or the Islam Holy War, and acts of terrorism.

He began by showing a video clip of the documentary film, “Obsessions,” a film about radical Islam.

The film showed numerous attacks by radical Islams in countries around the world such as England, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, and Spain.

The film showed angry Muslims shouting, “Death to America,” because, to them, America is thought to be a threat to the religion of Islam.

These are acts of Jihad, according to Masih. It is stated in the Quran, “Al-Jihad (holy fighting) in Allah’s cause is given the utmost importance in Islam and is one of its pillars. By Jihad, Islam is established, Allah’s word is made superior, and his religion is propagated.”

According to Masih, there are two houses within Islamic theology. The house of Islam are those countries where Muslims are in the majority and Islamic law has been established, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and Libya. The house of war are those countries where Muslims are the minority and Islamic law has not been established. Every Muslim believes it is his/her duty to bring Islam to these countries by all means, including countries like the US and Britain.

His message concluded by encouraging Christians to love Muslims to Christ.

Questions were asked by the audience members including questions about the war in Iraq. Masih agreed with deposing of Saddam Hussein, but believes democracy will not be achieved in a Muslim country such as Iraq.

“Churches are attacked more now than with Saddam in power,” he said.

His story

Pastor Masih grew up learning the Quran and Islam, studied it for 14 years in Pakistani schools, and even trained in the country’s military.

Through his Islamic teachings, he was told to hate Israel, Christians and all non-Muslims, and had been passionate about being a martyr for his country and religion.

Then, when he was 25 years old, he converted to Christianity and went to Bible college. Soon, Masih had helped create 24 churches throughout Pakistan.

Then in 1997, Pakistani police and thousands of Muslims destroyed two of Masih’s villages, burning 13 churches and 1,500 homes, and thousands of Bibles. Several hundred Christian girls were kidnapped and raped by the Army and returned to the village the next day.

This was all done over a false charge that Christians had torn a Quran, according to Masih.

Later that year, he was invited to a church in South Africa, where he showed a tape of that day. The pastor made copies and distributed them to other pastors, with which they protested against the Pakistani government in front of its embassy, according to Masih.

Masih’s name was given when questioned by the Pakistani ambassador about where the tape came from.

From that point, Masih and his wife had to flee for their lives. After he and his wife fasted for three days, they received visas and fled to America.

Masih now speaks on behalf of the non-profit organization, The Voice of the Martyrs, with a vision to aid Christians being persecuted around the world and educate the world of these actions. Masih shares his story and knowledge of Islam.

“God has put upon my heart to teach Americans the truth of Islam,” he said.

To order a free subscription of The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter, call (800) 747-0085 or visit the website, www.persecution.com, for more information.

Muslim definitions

Allah - the name of the god of Islam

Muslim - means slave or servant of Allah

Quran - the Muslim holy book

Martyr - a person who would rather die than give up their religion.

Mohammed - Allah’s apostle

Jihad - an effort or a striving. It is a religious war with those who are unbelievers in the mission of Mohammed.